Experiences Not to Miss in Chicago in Summer

Summer is in full swing in Chicago. On the north side, the sound of Cubs fans cheering echos through the neighborhood on game days. Sidewalk patios spill out of storefronts, the Lakefront Path is packed with runners and bikers from morning 'til night, and from above, the colorful dots of people on North Avenue beach look like someone spilled a pack of Skittles on a beige carpet. All too soon, the freezing temperatures of winter will return, but for now, locals and tourists are soaking in every last second of the season. Here are a few experiences not to miss during Chicago's summer.

Walk, run, bike or blade down the Lakefront Path

Photo Credit:  Ayrcan

Chicago's 18.5 mile long Lakefront Path stretches from downtown north along the shores of Lake Michigan, through several parks and past beaches and playground, taking in beautiful views of the city skyline along the way. Even if you aren't interested in physical activity on your trip, it's worth a walk just for some prime people watching.

See some live music, for free

Chicagoans love their summer festivals, and it seems there's at least one every week from July into September. The theme may range from the celebration of a neighborhood to a cuisine to a culture, but the ingredients are all the same: good food and drinks, plenty of people, and live music. Most festivals are free or cost only a few bucks for entry and feature local and national acts as well as popular local cover and tribute bands. You can also hear live music for free in Millennium Park, which hosts several live music events throughout the summer. Or ride the train to Ravinia where you can picnic to the sounds of music under the stars.

Get out on the water

Photo Credit:  caribbeanfreephoto

Chicago is home to the largest municipal harbor in the US, and getting out on the water is favorite summer activity for residents. If you don't happen to know some locals with a boat, you can still enjoy the city's setting on Lake Michigan by renting a kayak or standup paddleboard, taking a sailing lesson or booking a Lake or River cruise. A favorite among many, the Architecture Foundation River Cruise takes passengers on a tour of the city's most famous and impressive buildings, with entertaining and informative commentary from Foundations docents. On the cheap, you can also hop aboard the River Taxi and ride it from Michigan Avenue to Chinatown.

Drink at a rooftop bar

During summer, everyone just wants to spend as much time outside as possible before the return of the cold, dreary winter weather. So they hit the beach, dine alfresco, attend outdoor festivals, and even take their nightly cocktails under the stars. Places like Roof at the Wit and Zed451 open rooftop decks around late May and stay packed all summer long. Some bars even offer movies on their rooftop decks on certain summer evenings.

Party on North Avenue Beach

Photo Credit:  Joshua Mellin

There are 15 swimming beaches on Chicago's 26 miles of beachfront, each with a different personality. There are more family-friendly beaches, quieter beaches, and dog-friendly beaches, and then there's North Avenue Beach. The busiest beach in Chicago, it offers several volleyball nets and is the place to see and be seen while you work on your tan. It also offers prime viewing spots for the annual Air and Water Show in August.

Pack your picnic from a farmer's market

There are dozens of farmer's markets in Chicago around the city, including the excellent Green City Market, located near the Lincoln Park Zoo. And they offer a lot more than just fresh produce and locally-raised meat. You'll also find artisal cheeses, breads, pastries and sweets, plus freshly-prepared foods like Italian donuts, crepes, smoothies, and burgers, perfect for packing your picnic basket for a day at the beach or in the park.

Katie Hammel writes BootsnAll's Chicago travel guide, your guide to things to do in Chicago, plus where to stay and what to eat in the Windy City.